Reading champs receive their reward

Children aged four to 11 from across the town were invited to take part in a Summer Reading Challenge run by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Libraries Service to increase youngsters’ interest in books and boost their literacy.

The challenge was to read six books of their choice over the summer and was backed by activities at all the venues. The children received special treats each time they finished a book and everyone who completes the challenge receives a medal and certificate.

This year’s challenge was called ‘Mischief Makers’, inspired by the much-loved children’s title The Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.

To mark their achievements, the young people have been receiving their medals and certificates this week at a number of presentations by councillors and senior council officers at the town’s community hubs and libraries.

Some of the many Summer Reading Challenge champions with their awards

Councillor Kevin Cranney, Chair of the Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “Congratulations to all this year’s Summer Reading Challenge champions on their achievement and well done to the library staff, parents, carers and others who have encouraged the children along the way.

“The Challenge is a great way of keeping young people entertained over the holidays but it also has much more important benefits.

“It helps children to maintain their reading level and their enthusiasm for books over the summer break, so they return to school keen and ready to learn, and completing the challenge also helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem.”